Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Rolls-Royce Phantom review - Engines, performance and drive

Superb ride quality, a hushed, luxurious cabin and a near silent V12 powerhouse make the Phantom driving experience unique

Engines, performance and drive rating

4.7

How we review cars
RRP
£431,400 £513,825
Find your Rolls-Royce Phantom
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

The Rolls-Royce Phantom was engineered to offer the most comfortable and refined driving experience of any car on sale. As a result of this focus, the Phantom’s greatest strength is a superb level of refinement and comfort, which best complements a somewhat stately driving style.

On top of the usual on-board sensors that allow the suspension to independently correct the dampers to deal with road imperfections, the Phantom deploys a camera system called Flagbearer that can ‘read’ the road surface ahead at speeds of up to 60mph. It pre-sets the dampers to optimise efficiency over bumps, before the car even meets them.

Meanwhile, the Phantom’s passengers are cossetted in a whisper-quiet cabin that offers truly remarkable refinement, thanks to a substantial increase in sound-deadening material. The specially developed tyres have foam inside them to reduce road roar and the engine is barely audible, too. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

Given the superlative comfort on offer, it’s all the more impressive that the Phantom can display remarkable composure when asked to proceed at speed, even if one could never call it sporty. It feels wieldy though, in spite of its size. Excellent body control, impressive grip from the front tyres and the unique ‘finger-tip’ feel of the big steering wheel rim mean the driver can place the Phantom confidently when driving with verve on more challenging roads. 

Performance is mighty yet effortless, with no need to rev the engine to access a fabulous whoosh of acceleration, while the eight-speed auto transmission changes gears almost imperceptibly to heighten the ‘other-worldliness’ of the Rolls-Royce flagship’s on-road prowess.

Engines

The big 6.75-litre V12 engine under the Phantom’s prominent bonnet is a revised version of the 6.6-litre unit fitted to the smaller Rolls-Royce Ghost. It makes the same 536bhp as in the Ghost, along with a humungous 900Nm of torque delivered from just 1,700rpm. It’s enough to accelerate the Phantom from 0-62mph in 5.3 seconds, though top speed is limited to a very dignified 155mph.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Which Is Best

Cheapest

  • Name
    II 4dr Auto
  • Gearbox type
    Auto
  • RRP
    £431,400
Select car

Most Economical

  • Name
    II 4dr Auto
  • Gearbox type
    Auto
  • RRP
    £431,400
Select car

Fastest

  • Name
    II 4dr Auto
  • Gearbox type
    Auto
  • RRP
    £431,400
Select car

New & used car deals

Rolls-Royce Phantom

Rolls-Royce Phantom

RRP £381,945Used from £249,995
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,019 off RRP*Used from £13,895
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £1,676 off RRP*
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £18,725Avg. savings £4,199 off RRP*Used from £15,337
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price
BMW X7 - front

Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price

German firm’s flagship SUV could never be called cheap but it is exceptional value at £735 a month – making it our Deal of the Day for Sunday 27 April
News
27 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025